Ladies Lunch with Gogglebox TV celebrity raises 'incredible amount' for Martin House Children's Hospice
An inspirational talk by one of Yorkshire’s ‘Four Mums in a Boat’ has helped raise £25,000 for a children’s hospice near Wetherby.
Helen Butters, who was part of the record-breaking team that rowed across the Atlantic in 2016, was one of almost 200 guests at a star-studded Ladies Lunch for Martin House Children’s Hospice along with Gogglebox star Lara Fawcett and more.
Hosted at Hazlewood Castle, near Tadcaster, by the charity’s ambassador, TV presenter and journalist, Christine Talbot, the money raised could help fund one of Martin House’s specialty doctors for more than two months, enabling families to receive advice and care from a specialist in paediatric palliative medicine.
Alongside a drinks reception, two-course lunch, and fundraising games, guests heard from Martin House mum Mehreen Rehman, whose two-year-old daughter Ava receives care from the hospice.
Mehreen spoke about the support Martin House provides for her whole family, including Ava’s older sisters, Maya and Maysa.
Clair Holdsworth, chief executive at Martin House, said: “We are truly grateful to the inspiring women who joined us and to our sponsors who helped make the event possible.
"The Ladies Lunch not only raised vital funds for our hospice but also showed the incredible impact we can have when our community comes together.”
Martin House has been providing family-led specialist palliative care and support for children and young people with life-shortening conditions since 1987.
A silent auction, with prizes ranging from weekend hotel breaks to a signed Leeds United shirt, helped to raise an additional £4,605.
In total, the event raised £25,446.
Clair Holdsworth said: “Every year, we care for more than 500 children and young people with serious and complex health needs.
"Our services are available to families completely free of charge, 24/7, 365 days a year.
"It costs around £12 million a year to provide this specialist care, and the majority is funded by voluntary donations and fundraising.”
As a thank you for their support, guests enjoyed complimentary pampering sessions from the Clarins team at John Lewis, Leeds, and Cloud Nine hair care.
For information on how to support Martin House, visit www.martinhouse.org.uk